Leslie Pfau

Leslie Dean “Les” Pfau, 82, Upham died on Friday, October 12, 2012 in a Minot hospital.

Leslie was born on June 10, 1930 in Rugby, ND to Oscar and Adeline (Thompson) Pfau. Leslie was raised on his parents’ and grandparents’ farms in the Upham area. He attended rural school through 8th grade and then Upham High School, graduating in 1949. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and remained a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church (New Hope Lutheran). Les had several terms on the Church Council. He also served many years on the Little Deep Township Board, the Little Deep Cemetery Board, was a member of the Moose Lodge in Minot, and the Little Deep Club. He disliked meetings but attended when necessary.

Les joined the National Guard unit based in Bottineau and was called to active duty in 1950 at the time of the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and then sent to Nevada for Atomic Bomb testing at Camp Desert Rock. He returned to Fort Lewis and in 1952, he was honorably discharged and returned to North Dakota. He kept his ties with his 231st engineer buddies- never missing a reunion. He has been a lifelong member of the Earl T Nermoe Post #269 American Legion in Upham.

On November 4, 1950, Leslie married his high school sweetheart Josie Hannesson at Olympia, Washington. They would soon have celebrated 62 years of marriage. After a number of childless years, God blessed them with four children and later six grandchildren.

Les and Josie rented a farm near his parent’s farm for five years. During that time, they milked cows, raised herd cattle, had chickens and pigs, and farmed the land. Les also raised horses which he really enjoyed. During those years, Josie taught in several rural schools and Les helped by taking her to school in wintery weather and starting fires in the furnace. In 1957, they purchased a farm in Little Deep Township where they have since resided. The last several years they have spent the winter months in a condo in Minot. Recently, they sold the condo and bought a new house in Edgewood Village in Minot. Les was given the privilege of spending one night in the new home.

The farm was still really the place where Les’ heart was. Although retired, he enjoyed driving around and seeing the crops grow and harvest take place.

Les wore many hats as a worker. As well as being a meticulous farmer, he worked as a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and spent twelve winters at the Minot Air Force Base removing snow from the runways. Again, his work was always done to perfection. He often received recognition for jobs well done.

He enjoyed sporting events, hunting, and fishing, especially when the grandchildren arrived on the scene. Both he and Josie loved to dance and could do a pretty mean polka. He also enjoyed the “Chicken Dance” with the grandkids. His kids and grandkids were his greatest pride and he bragged about their many accomplishments to the point that he would sometimes embarrass Josie.

He was a man of few words but showed his love in various ways: by helping, rocking, hugging, and of course teasing. Les was a friendly, happy guy who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He will be sorely missed by his family and large circle of friends. God keep Leslie in His care and we will keep his memory in our hearts forever.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, grandson: William Stillwell, sister: Corrine Bender and brother-in-law: Larry Slatta.

Funeral Service:Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the New Hope Lutheran Church - Upham.Interment:Little Deep Cemetery - rural Upham.Visitation:Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot. There will be no reviewal at the church prior to the service.Memorials:In lieu of flowers, the family prefers plants or memorials to the Upham Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Services as well as the donor’s choice are preferred.

Guestbook / Messages

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

One of the best Uncles ever has passed !
I have so many memories of Leslie and Josie that I can't quite sort them out. I think I even remember Leslie leaving on the train at Bottineau for Korea.
Always helping our family,Leslie moved us from Upahm to Bottineau and then all the way to Dad's new job in Jamestown.
Uncle Leslie was such a good man and had a neat sense of humor and caring.
I got my first oppertunity to learn to drive grain truck thanks to him.
I'll never forget him.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

our thoughts are with you, the bond family and Mom (Vilborg) will never forget
Uncle Leslie and the farm.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Melanie & Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The obituary was beautiful, you can tell how much he was loved by so many. What a remarkable man! You were blessed to have him in your life, and he will continue to watch over you always. God Bless and keep you in his loving arms through this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers, Heather

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

When I see that picture, that is the smile I remembered from all those years ago. My thoughts are with all of you.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Our hearts are aching for you Josie - as you mourn the "Love of Your Life". You & Leslie raised an awesome family and we know they will be there in every way possible to help you through this sad time.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers! We pray the love you all share will somehow fill the empty hole that you now have. Memories are an open window to the past - keep the window open and his love will always be there for you!!!!

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Les - Rest In Peace - God Bless You and Your Family

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

My deepest sympathies to the Pfau family. I have great memories of the Pfau family from my college years with Loren. Hoping those wonderful memories support you during this difficult time. Know that the world has lost a wonderful man with Les's passing.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Thinking of you ALL during this difficult time. You could always find Leslie at school and sporting events cheering!!! Josie and Leslie sure could RIP up the dance floors!! What great memories we have of Leslie.

"Live each day to the fullest. Get the most from each hour, each day of your Life. Then you can look forward with confidence, and back without regrets!"
Woody~Kathy Hall

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

I am sorry to read of Leslies passing. It was an honor and a privilege to know him and I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. May God Bless

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Our deepest sympathy to Melanie, her Mom and siblings. Cherish the memories. Soon they will make you smile. Judging by his obituary you have a lot to be proud of. May he rest with the glory of God.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Pfau family. Leslie was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. I always enjoyed visiting with Leslie. Leslie will always be remembered for raising such a wonderful family. God's blessings to the Pfau family.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Your family is our thoughts and especially our prayers. May God grant you his peace during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,
Barry and Julie (Miller) Hall

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

I'll always remember Les cheering everyone on at the softball games. I'm pretty sure he was the proudest Papa at the games. I also worked with him at the base for 8 winters. We always had a lot of laughs on the rides to and from work. He took great pride in his work and was always anxious to get home to his family at days end.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Leslie always had a special place in my heart. He was always kind to my Dad through some trying times. My prayers go out to his family.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time...memories of your dad will always be in your hearts, I will never forget the time they came all the way to Minnesota to help dad celebrate his birthday...that meant so much to him. He willl be missed, I know he is in a better place and someday we will all be with him again and all the Angels waiting for us there. May Peace, Love and Hope be with you always...love to you all Denise and Family.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Deepest Sympathy for your loss. Michelle and family.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

Josie - My heart is hurting at the loss of Les. I will never forget many hours at the farm when I was younger and have such fond memories of riding horse with the girls and singing songs around the piano. Every time I would walk in to your kitchen I would look down at the floor so see if the 'ketchup' was still there!

To Loren, Mel, Shelle, Nae...it hurts so much to loose a parent but please have faith in knowing that the hurt will lessen and soon those memories won't bring tears, but smiles.

God's Blessing to you all!

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

So sorry to hear about Leslie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

One of the best uncle's a person could ask for. RIP Leslie, thank you for being the person you always were.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

You taught me to drive, hunt and to pursue education. Then you started over doing the same thing with my kids.

You had a work ethic second to none that I've tried to emulate throughout my adult life. You always delivered a bit more than you promised.

You were always willing to help someone out; whether that person was a family member, neighbor or complete stranger it didn't matter.

You liked to meet new people and socialize. Lot's of laughing when you were with a group.

You always thought a man's word was one of his most important characteristics. You made a lot of deals on a handshake.

We may have had our differences of opinions at times and on various topics, but I've always loved and respected you.

Really going to miss you, Dad.

Loren

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

God Bless The family.

Name

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message

I had the pleasure of working with Les at the base for 12 years he deeply will be missed